Former Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela has been re-elected as the Diyawadana Nilame of the Sri Dalada Maligawa, obtaining a decisive majority of 145 votes at the election held this afternoon.
Dela secured 195 votes, defeating the Basnayake Nilame of Kataragama Devala, Diminda Bandara Udurawana, who garnered 50 votes and placed second. The third contender, Basnayake Nilame of Natha Devala, A.W.A. Bandaranayaka, received 13 votes.
Three candidates were eligible to contest the election. Although eight individuals had initially shown interest in running, only the nominations of Nilanga Dela, Diminda Bandara Udurawana, and A.W.A. Bandaranayaka were accepted, as the others were not duly seconded.